This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
